Question

What were affirmative action programs originally designed to encourage?

increasing diversity in public institutions and businesses
beginning the process of desegregation in schools
establishing complete equality in admissions and hiring practices
ending separation based on race in housing

Answer 1

increasing diversity in public institutions and businesses

Affirmative action began (via 1960s executive orders and later policies) to require proactive steps by employers and public institutions to remedy past discrimination and increase representation of minorities and women.